Good Afternoon Everyone,                                                                                       

A few things to clarify on the state budget-

The budget is ALMOST finished. Last night the budget was passed out of the Conference Committee, but still has a few more steps to go. By the end of the day we anticipate that the Ohio House and Senate will vote on the recommendations made by the Conference Committee and then it will move on to Governor DeWine for his Signature.  As of 11:35am on 7/17, the budget has not been signed by the Governor.

As you know the Conference Committee discusses House and Senate’s versions of the budget and decide on which provisions they will choose. The Conference Committee selected the following versions of the various budget provisions that impact OPRA Members.

· HPC rate increase: Senate Version- starting on Jan. 1, 2020 and ending on Dec. 31, 2020, the HPC rates will increase to help support an average wage of a DSP providing HPC to $12.82. Starting on Jan. 1, 2021 and ending on June 30, 2021, the rates will increase to support an average wage of a DSP providing HPC to $13.23.

· The “informed choice” amendment: House Version- any time an individual or family comes to a County Board of DD looking specifically for residential services, the County Board must tell the individual and/or family about the ICF option and must provide specific resources on ICFs to the individual and/or family.

· Nonmedical transportation and adult day services workgroup: Senate Version-there is no requirement that DODD form a new workgroup to look at NMT before any changes to the current NMT service can be made.

· ICF Quality Indicator Program: Senate Version- delay implementation of the quality indicator program, removes the current quality indicators from law and allows DODD and the quality indicator workgroup to revise the indicators, and reduces the number of required indicators.

· ICF Franchise Permit Fee: Senate Version- Increase the ICF franchise permit fee and revises how the fee is calculated so the fee will be based on inpatient days.

· For our OOD providers- all of budget initiatives proposed by OOD are included in the Conference Committee’s version of the budget. There were no substantial changes to OOD’s budget initiatives in either chamber of the Legislature or in Conference Committee.

When the budget is finalized by the Governor we will let everyone know. We will also provide some guidance on thanking your elected officials for their support throughout this budget process!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions!

Have a great day,

Christine

Christine Touvelle, MLS

Policy Analyst

Ohio Provider Resource Association

O- 614-224-6772

1152 Goodale Blvd.

Columbus, Ohio 43212